Politics Gets a Dose of 'Reality'

By JILIAN FAMA

Nov. 28, 2012

Jason Nathanson/ABC

Though some people may have viewed the 2012 presidential campaign season as one very long reality show, the truth is, reality TV is crossing over into politics as well. Here are some reality TV moments with political flavor.

Jason Nathanson/ABC

Ann Romney Spotted at "Dancing with the Stars" Finale

Ann Romney was spotted in attendance at ABC's 'Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars' championship finale.

Ann, who was in the audience with her son, Craig, watched as former TV personality Melissa Rycroft reigned victorious, claiming the title of "Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars" champion over former Olympic gymnast, Shawn Johnson.

Though Ann travelled around the country with her husband, Mitt Romney, during the campaign season, he did not accompany his wife and son at the dancing extravaganza.

Ann Romney isn't the only one from the political world to revel in "Dancing with the Stars" reality stardom. Bristol Palin, daughter of 2008 VP candidate Sarah Palin participated in the All-Star season of competition but was voted off during the show's fourth week.

ABC NEWS

The First Lady Likes 'Real Housewives'

Appearing on ABC's "Live! With Kelly and Michael," Michelle Obama was grilled by the co-hosts, Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan, who asked rapid-fire questions like "What is your guilty pleasure?" and "What would we be surprised to find in your purse?"

Reality TV got a little endorsement.

"What's your favorite reality show?" Ripa asked.

"Oh, gosh, let me think." The first lady hesitated. "You know, I do love a little 'Real Housewives' every now and then."

Adam Taylor/ABC

Bristol Palin's Reality Run Comes to an End

Bristol Palin, daughter of the 2008 Republican Vice Presidential pick Sarah Palin, did not want to leave the limelight after her mother and John McCain lost to Barack Obama and Joe Biden. She appeared on "Dancing with the Stars'" All-Star Season, but was voted off during the show's fourth week.

"I had an awesome time and an awesome partner … and I wish everyone the best of luck," Palin said when she learned she was going home.

Palin was sent home after landing in the bottom two with Kirstie Alley. Palin, who had the second-lowest score after her rock 'n' roll routine was eliminated based on combined judges' and viewers' votes.

Honey Boo Boo, formally known as Alana Thompson, announced her support of President Obama on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Oct. 15. The little girl, star of TLC's reality television show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo," told Kimmel that she didn't know Mitt Romney.

When asked if she was familiar with Barack Obama, Thompson replied, "the president?"

Kimmel went on to ask the former "Toddlers & Tiaras" star and pageant contestant if she had heard that Mitt Romney preferred "Snooki" of "Jersey Shore" to Honey Boo Boo.

He then asked Thompson, "So now I have to ask you, who are you going to support for president? Mitt Romney or Barack Obama?"

Honey Boo Boo answering the question: "Barack Obama."

Beth Hall/TLC

Todd Akin Gets 21 New Campaigners From '19 Kids and Counting'

Perhaps the largest reality TV family, The Duggars, have put all 21 members to work campaigning for Missouri Rep. Todd Akin. The family is scheduled to make a campaign appearance with Akin, the controversial Republican Missouri Senate candidate known for his comment on "legitimate rape" and pregnancy. Akin will get a hefty endorsement from the Duggar clan, who say they support his conservative views on abortion.

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar received national attention from their TLC reality show "19 Kids and Counting." They say they hope Akin can beat Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill.

Michelle, mother of the 19 children, rallied in Springfield for Akin with former Arkansas first lady Janet Huckabee.

The event was led by group called Missouri Women Standing With Todd Akin, which was founded St. Louis in the wake of Akin's comments on rape.

Gene Simmons Kisses Obama Goodbye

KISS front man and reality TV star Gene Simmons is kissing his support for President Obama goodbye after voting for him in 2008.

"The country is so divided. I voted for President Obama last time but I have to say I'm very disappointed in his job," Simmons told NoiseCreep. "He's been a p***-poor president as far as I'm concerned."

Simmons, whose hit reality show, A&E's "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" was pulled off the network this August after a seven-season run, said he did not agree on all issues with GOP candidate Mitt Romney, but did feel that he is the more qualified choice.

"I will tell you that he's much more qualified," the KISS guitarist said. "He's a businessman, he ran the Olympics. …He knows how to create jobs. President Obama is a wonderful family man. And that's about where the résumé stops."

Adam Olszweski/Bravo

House Wife Star Crashes White House Dinner

"D.C. Housewife" star Michaele Salahi slipped past the Secret Service and snuck into the White House for a 2009 state dinner.

Salahi was one of five women who appeared as cast members on Bravo's reality TV show, "Real Housewives of Washington, D.C." She and her then-husband, Tareq, were not invited to the dinner, but got through layers of security to mingle with the likes of Vice President Joe Biden and then-White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.